by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

The U.S. Golf Association and the R&A announced, as expected, a proposed ban on anchoring the putter.

The catch for golf's governing bodies is this: What if the main tours won't go along? It could create chaos if the PGA Tour and LPGA decide to disregard the change, as is their right, allowing anchoring at their events..

Colt Knost tweeted this Wednesday after the proposed ban was announced: "This years player meeting at San Diego could beinteresting! #tension"

Both tours issued cautious statements Wednesday.

PGA Tour: "While the USGA and The R&A have kept us updated on this proposed rule change, we only recently have been able to review the final language and have not until now had the opportunity to share it with our Policy Board and membership. As with any rule change, we will go through our normal process of evaluating the potential impact this will have to all our constituents. It will be discussed at our next annual player meeting on Jan. 22 in San Diego, and it is anticipated that it will be reviewed by our Policy Board during its March meeting. During this review process, we will provide periodic updates to our stakeholders."

And from the LPGA: "The LPGA has consistently conducted our official events in accordance with the Rules of Golf as defined by the USGA and the R&A. We certainly respect golf's governing bodies and their long standing desire to protect and promote the best interests of the game," said Kraig Kann, chief communications officer for the LPGA. "The proposed new Rule 14-1b prohibiting 'anchoring the club' in making a stroke is not yet final and the LPGA will wait with interest while the USGA and R&A consider further comments and suggestions from the golf community."In the meantime, we will continue to discuss this proposed change with our players and provide our input and thoughts directly to the USGA and R&A."

The PGA Tour always has followed the rules as established by the USGA and R&A.

"I don't think that will happen," said Brandt Snedeker, one of the best putters on the PGA Tour using a conventional method and an adamant opponent to anchoring. "The PGA Tour has never made its own rules. I don't see them starting that now. I don't see that being a good move.

"The game of golf is bigger than the PGA Tour. I don't want to start adopting rules for Tour players. This is where PGA Tour players need to realize where we stand in golf - we're disposable commodities. The guys who are running the game of golf are very, very intelligent people, and whatever they decide, the players should get behind 100%."